Are you on the hunt for a superfood supplement that can help boost your energy, support digestion and metabolism, and maybe even make your skin glow? Well, Vital Reds by Gundry MD is one popular option that's been creating quite the buzz. But is it really all it's cracked up to be? Let's dive in and find out in this thorough Vital Reds review.
What is Vital Reds?
First off, what the heck is Vital Reds? It's a powdered supplement jam-packed with beneficial nutrients like polyphenol-rich superfruits, probiotics, vitamins and minerals. The formula was created by Dr. Steven Gundry, a former heart surgeon turned wellness guru who believes supporting gut health is the key to vitality(1).
The headliner in Vital Reds is the impressive blend of 34 superfruits like aronia berries, mulberries, grape seed extract and more. These babies are known for being super high in polyphenols - micronutrients with potent antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects(2). The formula also includes a metabolic boosting blend with thermogenic ingredients like cinnamon bark, green tea, and bitter melon, as well a 3 billion CFU probiotic blend to support healthy digestion and gut flora balance(3).
All you gotta do is mix one scoop of the berry-flavored powder into a glass of water or your fave beverage, and boom - you're on your way to superfruit nirvana. At least that's the idea! But hold your horses.
Before we crown Vital Reds the holy grail of health, let's break down the potential pros and cons:
Potential Benefits of Vital Reds
- Antioxidants galore: Vital Reds is absolutely brimming with antioxidant-rich superfoods, which help fight free radical damage and oxidative stress - two major culprits when it comes to chronic disease and aging(4).
- Gut health boost: The 3 billion CFU probiotic blend can help restore balance to the gut microbiome, which is crucial for healthy digestion, nutrient absorption, and even immunity(5). The prebiotic fructooligosaccharides also act as food for those friendly gut bugs.
- Metabolism rev: Ingredients like green tea extract and bitter melon in the metabolic blend may help give sluggish metabolisms a gentle nudge and boost fat burning. More research is still needed there though.
- Easy peasy nutrition: Let's face it, most of us aren't exactly eating the rainbow of fruits and veggies on the daily. Vital Reds can be an easy way to up your intake of beneficial plant compounds.
- Tasty, versatile and convenient: Users generally like the berry flavor and find it mixes well into water, juices or smoothies. The single-serving stick packs are also great for on-the-go use.
Potential Drawbacks of Vital Reds
- Proprietary blends: While Vital Reds lists all of its fruit, metabolic and probiotic ingredients, the specific amounts are masked in proprietary blends. This makes it hard to determine if they're included at therapeutic dosages.
- Probiotic selection and strength: At 3 billion CFUs, Vital Reds provides a decent but not super potent probiotic dose compared to some targeted probiotic supplements. And without knowing which strains are used, the probiotic benefits are a bit of a question mark.
- Limited vitamin and mineral profile: Though Vital Reds does provide 50-100% of the recommended daily allowance for key nutrients like Vitamin C, B12 and folate, it's not a comprehensive multivitamin by any means. You'll likely still need to take one separately.
- A tad pricey: Even at the discounted rate of $49.95 for a 30 day supply, Vital Reds isn't the cheapest supplement out there, though you can save by opting for a monthly subscription. Still, you're paying for quality ingredients in a convenient package.
- Not a magic bullet: While polyphenols, probiotics and superfood ingredients are great for supporting overall health, they won't necessarily undo an otherwise crummy diet and lifestyle. Vital Reds works best as one part of a holistic wellness routine.
Diving Deeper Into the Ingredients
Now that we've covered the high level potential benefits and drawbacks, let's take a closer look under the hood at some of the star ingredients Vital Reds is packing:
Aronia berry extract: Don't let their intense mouth-puckering flavor fool you - aronia berries are one of the best sources of anthocyanins, a type of antioxidant that gives many berries their bold blue and purple hues. Research shows anthocyanins can help reduce inflammation, protect heart health and even slow the growth of certain cancers(6).
Grape seed extract: The polyphenols in grape seeds have some pretty potent anti-aging potential. Studies show grape seed extract can help shield skin from UV damage, improve elasticity and reduce the depth of wrinkles. It also supports healthy circulation and blood pressure(7).
Organic beetroot: Beets are a great natural source of nitrates, which the body converts into nitric oxide. This compound helps relax and widen blood vessels, promoting healthy blood flow and potentially boosting stamina during exercise. Beets are also high in betalains, phytonutrients with antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and detoxification properties.
Mulberry extract: In traditional Chinese medicine, mulberry has long been used to treat high blood sugar and diabetes. Modern research shows this sweet superfruit is rich in anthocyanins, rutin and other antioxidants that can help regulate blood sugar, cholesterol and inflammation.
Green tea leaf extract: Is there anything green tea can't do? The beloved beverage contains beneficial compounds called catechins, the most potent of which is epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG). EGCG has been shown in studies to boost metabolism and enhance fat burning, especially when combined with caffeine(8).
Turmeric root extract: The golden child of the supplement world, turmeric contains curcumin - a compound with powerful antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. By helping to keep low-grade inflammation in check, curcumin shows promise for reducing risk of heart disease, brain disorders and even depression(9).
Ginger root: A staple in Ayurvedic medicine, ginger is a warming spice that's long been used to soothe digestion. It gets its medicinal properties from compounds called gingerols, which have been shown to reduce inflammation, muscle soreness and nausea(10). Some animal research also suggests ginger may help control blood sugar.
Probiotics: The probiotics in Vital Reds include some standout strains like Bacillus coagulans, Lactobacillus acidophilus, Bifidobacterium lactis and Lactobacillus reuteri. These beneficial bugs play a key role in digestive function, nutrient absorption, immunity and more. You just want to make sure you're getting clinically relevant amounts!
But wait, there's more! Vital Reds also includes a Vitamin and Mineral Blend with essential micronutrients like Vitamin C, thiamin, riboflavin, niacin, vitamin B6, folate, vitamin B12, biotin, pantothenic acid, selenium and chromium. While not a complete multi, this blend does help fill in some common nutritional gaps.
Last but not least, Vital Reds contains fructooligosaccharides (FOS), a type of prebiotic fiber that feeds the friendly bacteria in your gut. Some studies suggest FOS can help increase the populations of beneficial Bifidobacteria and Lactobacilli while decreasing harmful bacteria. However, the 250mg dose in Vital Reds is lower than the 2.5-10 grams per day used in most studies.
Is Vital Reds Safe and Legit?
For most healthy peeps, Vital Reds is considered safe and well-tolerated. The ingredients are all natural and have good safety profiles when consumed in normal amounts. That said, it's always wise to check with your doctor before adding any new supplement to your routine, especially if you're pregnant, nursing, taking medications or have a medical condition.
It's worth noting that Gundry MD is a pretty reputable company in the supplement space. Their products are formulated by a real doctor (though he's a bit controversial) and go through third party testing to ensure purity and potency. They're also made in a GMP-certified facility, which is the gold standard for supplement manufacturing.
Of course, whenever a supplement makes big claims, it's healthy to have a dose of skepticism. While the ingredients in Vital Reds are backed by some promising research, the product itself hasn't been extensively studied. A lot of the purported benefits are based on the individual ingredients and not this exact formula. More research is definitely needed!
What Do Real Vital Reds Reviews Say?
One way to gauge if a product lives up to the hype is to see what actual users are saying. Here's a roundup of some common themes from Vital Reds reviews on Amazon, the Gundry MD website, and other forums:
- Many reviewers rave about the taste, saying it's delicious mixed with water or added to smoothies. The most common descriptor is "fruity" with a pleasant berry flavor.
- Quite a few users report more energy, better digestion and less bloating after taking Vital Reds consistently. Some even claim it helps with regularity and decreases sugar cravings.
- Other positive effects mentioned include clearer skin, reduced joint pain, weight loss, lower blood pressure and improved lab markers. Of course, these are anecdotal and could be attributed to other lifestyle changes as well.
- On the flip side, some reviewers complain of side effects like nausea, stomach discomfort and headaches. A few also mention an unpleasant aftertaste or texture.
- The most common complaint is that Vital Reds is pricey compared to similar superfood supplements on the market. Some feel the results don't justify the cost.
Overall, Vital Reds seems to have mostly positive reviews with an average rating of 4.3 out of 5 stars on Amazon. Just keep in mind that individual results can vary and what works for one person may not work for another.
How to Use Vital Reds
If you decide to give Vital Reds a whirl, the recommended dosage is one scoop (3.765g) per day mixed into 8oz of water or your favorite beverage. For best results, Dr. Gundry suggests taking it with a meal that contains healthy fats to enhance absorption of the fat-soluble nutrients.
One serving of Vital Reds clocks in at just 15 calories with 2g of carbs (including 1g of fiber) and 1g of sugar. It's also gluten-free, soy-free and dairy-free, making it suitable for most diet types. However, it does contain stevia leaf extract as a natural sweetener, so if you're sensitive to stevia, proceed with caution.
As with any supplement, consistency is key. To reap the potential benefits of Vital Reds, you need to take it daily as directed. Most users start to notice positive effects within 2-4 weeks of regular use. If you have any adverse reactions or don't see results after a few months, it's probably not the right fit for you.
How Does Vital Reds Compare to Other Superfood Supplements?
Vital Reds is far from the only superfood powder on the block. Here's a quick comparison to a few other popular options:
Athletic Greens: Often touted as the crème de la crème of greens powders, Athletic Greens packs in 75 vitamins, minerals and whole food ingredients. It's pricier than Vital Reds at $99 for 30 servings and has a distinct "green" flavor that may be an acquired taste. However, it boasts a more complete nutritional profile and is NSF Certified for Sport.
Amazing Grass Greens Blend: With a much more affordable price point (around $20 for 30 servings), Amazing Grass is a great budget-friendly option. It features a blend of grasses, fruits, veggies and digestive enzymes, but lacks the probiotic power of Vital Reds. Some reviewers also find the grassy taste off-putting.
Organifi Red Juice: Like Vital Reds, Organifi Red focuses on antioxidant-rich red superfruits like acai, cordyceps and beets. It has a slightly lower price tag at $60 for 30 servings and is USDA organic. However, it doesn't contain any probiotics or digestive enzymes.
Primal Plants: Another Gundry MD product, Primal Plants has a similar superfruit blend to Vital Reds with the addition of high-ORAC green veggies like kale, spinach and broccoli. It's a bit cheaper at $60 for 30 servings and offers a wider variety of plant polyphenols. But again, no probiotics in this one.
At the end of the day, the "best" superfood supplement really depends on your unique needs, budget and taste preferences. If gut health is a top priority and you don't mind the steeper price, Vital Reds is a solid choice. But if you're just looking to boost your greens intake on a budget, Amazing Grass or Athletic Greens may be more up your alley.
The Verdict
So, is Vital Reds the secret sauce to feeling your best, or is it all just hype? Here's my take after digging into the ingredients, potential benefits and user reviews:
Vital Reds is a solid option if you're looking for an antioxidant-rich supplement to complement an already healthy diet and lifestyle. No, it's not going to undo late night pizza binges and days of couch surfing. But if you struggle to get a wide variety of colorful fruits and veggies in your diet, it can help fill in some nutritional gaps.
I like that it includes some well-studied superfruits, as well as probiotics to support digestion and gut health. The metabolic boosting ingredients are a nice bonus, though I wouldn't count on them to move the needle much on their own in terms of fat loss and energy. You'll still need a balanced diet and regular exercise for that!
One of the biggest selling points for me is the convenience factor. If you're not a fan of swallowing pills, the tasty berry powder is easy to mix into your daily drinks. It's also great for travel and busy mornings. Just watch out for those proprietary blends - I wish they were more transparent about the amounts of each ingredient.
All in all, I'd give Vital Reds a solid 4 out of 5 stars. It's not a magic bullet by any means, but it can be a beneficial addition to an already healthy routine if your budget allows. Just remember, variety is the spice of life! Aim to eat your antioxidants and probiotics from whole food sources as much as possible, and think of Vital Reds as a helpful sidekick.
Buy It Now From:
- GundryMD.com (best discount)
- Amazon.com (no discount)
Editorial Process
At Molly Winter Wellness, we take pride in delivering accurate, trustworthy and evidence-based health information to our readers. Our content is written and reviewed by qualified health professionals and fact-checked for accuracy. We strive to be objective and unbiased in our recommendations.
When evaluating supplements like Vital Reds, we review the latest scientific research, consult reputable health organizations and gather insights from real users to provide a complete picture. If information is lacking or evidence is inconclusive, we point that out. Our aim is to empower you to make informed decisions about your health.
References
(1) Gundry MD. (2021). Dr. Steven Gundry, MD.
(5) [Plaza-DÃaz J, Ruiz-Ojeda
